China Greenlights Bell 429 Weight Boost

By Staff Writer | November 16, 2012

Bell Helicopter has obtained approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China to increase the maximum gross weight of the 429 by 500 lbs. Regulatory agencies in a dozen countries have approved the weight increase, with the notable exception of the U.S. FAA, which ruled against approving the request in August. China joins Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ecuador, India, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam in giving the thumbs-up to the weight increase from 7,000 to 7,500 lbs (3,400 kg).Related:FAA Denies 429 Weight Increase